PATTI Fender (Hereford Times, November 27) is absolutely right that people living in England should be able to use the English NHS, regardless of where their GP is based. That is the core issue of the campaigning we have done together.

Over the last two years I have raised this matter repeatedly in Parliament, with the NHS in England and Wales, and with ministers. Last August, I helped to secure the end of Aneurin Bevan Health Board’s absurd policy of refusing access to English hospitals for patients (with a Welsh GP) living in England.

I have lobbied the new chief executive of the NHS. And just last month I gave evidence in person to the Welsh Affairs Select Committee on the gross unfairness that many of my constituents face in being forced to use the Welsh NHS although they live in England.

Patti and I have worked very closely on these issues, and with her permission I was delighted to highlight her contribution in my evidence to the committee.

This issue is still a long way from a proper solution; I have repeatedly warned the government that the present position may be unlawful, and I will continue to make the case at the highest level.

JESSE NORMAN MP for Hereford & South Herefordshire